Google Pixel 4 Left Grip Sensor Replacement

Insert a SIM eject tool, bist, or a straightened paper clip into the small hole.

• Press firmly on the tool to eject the SIM card tray.
• Remove the ejected SIM card tray.

Be cautious of overheating the phone, as the display and internal battery are prone to heat damage.

• Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the back panel for one minute.
• An alternative is to use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate.

Position the suction cup on the heated edge of the back panel, pressing firmly down to create suction as close to the edge as possible.

• If the back glass is badly cracked, cover it with clear packing tape for better adhesion.
• Alternatively, use very strong tape instead of the suction cup.
• As a last resort, apply superglue to secure the suction cup directly to the broken panel.

Apply firm pressure with the suction cup to create a gap between the back panel and frame.

• If needed, reapply heat to the edge for better results.
• Insert the pointed end of the opening pick into the created gap.

• Slide the opening pick across the bottom towards the left corner to slice the adhesive.
• With the pick still inserted, slide it over to the bottom right corner to completely slice the adhesive.

Leave the pick in place to prevent re-adhesion of the adhesive.

Apply a iOpener to the left edge of the phone for exactly 1 minute.

• Insert a second opening pick under the back panel, positioned directly above the charge port.
• Slide the opening pick to the bottom left corner of the phone.

Insert an opening pick into the bottom left corner of the phone.

• Slide the pick across the left side to slice the adhesive.
• For tough adhesion, use a sawing motion by pushing in and out with the pick.
• Stop at the top left corner near the camera and leave the pick inserted.

Prepare an iOpener, then apply it to the right edge of the phone for exactly one minute.

Insert a third pick below the right side of the phone.

• Slide it up towards the top, cutting the adhesive.
• Stop at the top right corner and do not remove the pick.

Slip the third opening pick along the top right edge and across the phone's top surface.

Be careful not to apply too much pressure, which can damage the phone's screen or casing.

Careful not to damage the edges when slicing.

• Lift the right edge of the back cover, opening like a book.
• Do not remove the panel yet — it remains connected to the phone.

Continue opening the back panel, resting it on the left edge of the phone without straining the attached ribbon cable.

• Power on the phone and test functions during reassembly to ensure everything is working properly.
• Remember to power down the phone completely before continuing with repairs.

Remove the following T3 Torx screws: four 4.0 mm screws and one 2.1 mm screw.

• Label each removed screw to ensure correct reassembly later.

Remove battery connector shield using a pair of tweezers.

When using a spudger near the battery, exercise extreme caution to avoid puncturing it.

• Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry the battery connector straight up from the motherboard.
• To reattach press connectors:
• Align carefully and press down on one side until it clicks into place.
• Repeat on the other side; avoid pressing in the middle.

Misaligned connector reattachment can cause pin bending, resulting in permanent damage.

Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully bend the battery cable out of the way.

Risk of accidental electrical contact if left exposed during repair.

Remove the T3 Torx driver secured 2 x 4 mm screws.

• Located at the rear of the device, near the back panel connector cover.

Remove the back panel connector cover using a pair of tweezers.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry up the back panel connector.

• Pry at the connector to release it from its mounting point.
• Once released, gently pull the connector away from the back panel.

Remove the back panel.

• For custom adhesives: Follow the installation guide.
• For pre-cut adhesive cards: Refer to the separate installation guide.

Grasp the yellow pull tab firmly and begin pulling with steady force.

• If the adhesive becomes difficult to remove, roll it around a spudger and continue pulling.
• Continue applying constant pressure, spinning the spudger periodically if used to keep the pull tab short.
• This process may require significant force, so be prepared for a challenging effort.

• Be cautious not to snap the adhesive tabs in half as they can easily break during removal.

For non-stretching pull tabs, apply isopropyl alcohol directly under the battery edge and wait for it to loosen the adhesive. Repeat this process until all three pull tabs are removed or have snapped in half.

Risk of damaging the charge port flex cable.

• Insert an opening pick on the upper right edge of the battery to slice adhesive underneath.
• If all three adhesive pull tabs are removed, consider using the opening pick to dislodge the battery for easier removal.
• Avoid inserting the opening pick near or below the grip sensor cable to prevent damage to the charge port flex cable.

Do not reuse a deformed or damaged battery, as it poses a potential safety hazard.

• Lift the battery up and away from the phone to remove it. You may need to peel it away from adhesive tabs.
• If there's any remaining alcohol solution in the phone, wipe it off with a lint-free cloth or let it air dry before installing the new battery.

When installing a replacement battery:

• Apply stretch release adhesive to the battery (if using), or double-sided tape/adhesive strips in the phone's battery well, avoiding the charge port flex cable.
• Peel away any tape liners to expose the adhesive.

Temporarily re-connect the battery connector to its motherboard socket for proper positioning. This helps you position the battery correctly before installation.

• Lay the battery in place and press firmly.
• Disconnect the battery connector from its motherboard socket and resume assembly.

Use a tweezers to gently tilt the grey plastic grip sensor guard away from the phone's frame.

• Pull the guard straight up off of the phone's frame, taking care as it is secured with light adhesive.

Peel the grip sensor flex cable away from the phone's frame using a pair of tweezers.

The cable is secured with some light adhesive, be careful not to stretch or damage it.

Continue peeling the flex cable away from the phone's back side.

• Inspect for any remaining adhesive and gently pry if necessary.
• The flex cable should now be free, exposing its internal components.

Proceed with caution as this process is destructive.

• Use a pair of tweezers to carefully peel away the grip sensor from the inside edge of the phone's frame.
• Have a replacement part ready, as damage to this component cannot be repaired.
• Continue peeling until the grip sensor is no longer adhered to the inside frame.

Remove the grip sensor completely from behind the side button assembly.

• The grip sensor may break into multiple pieces.
• Ensure all parts are removed, including any remaining adhesive.
• Scrape off leftover adhesive before installing a new grip sensor.